Process for preparing 3-substituted-6-substituted-7-oxo-1-azabicycl(3.2.0)-hept-2-ene-2-carboxylic acid

ABSTRACT

Disclosed is a process for preparing 3-substituted-thio-6-(1&#39;-hydroxyethyl)-7-oxo-1-azabicyclo[3.2.0]hept-2-ene-2-carboxylic acids (I) ##STR1## wherein X is a leaving group such as chloro, bromo, tosyl, mesyl or the like; and R 8  is, inter alia, selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, alkyl, alkenyl, aryl and aralkyl. The compounds I as well as their pharmaceutically acceptable O- and carboxyl derivatives are useful as antibiotics.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

This application is a continuation of Ser. No. 649047 filed on Sept. 10, 1984 now abandoned, which is a continuation of Ser. No. 209172 filed on Nov. 21, 1980, now abandoned which is a continuation-in-part of Ser. No. 143658 filed on Apr. 25, 1980, now abandoned, which is a continuation of Ser. No. 052643 filed on June 27, 1988, now abandoned, which is a continuation of Ser. No. 843,479 filed on Oct. 19, 1977, now abandoned.

This invention relates to a process for preparing 3-substituted-thio-6-(1'-hydroxyethyl)-7-oxo-1-azabicyclo[3.2.0]hept-2-ene-2-carboxylic acids (I) and derivatives thereof which are useful as antibiotics. ##STR2## wherein X is a leaving group such as chloro, bromo, tosyl, mesyl, or the like; and R⁸ is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, substituted and unsubstituted: alkyl, alkenyl, and alkynyl, having from 1-10 carbon atoms; cycloalkyl, cycloalkylalkyl, and alkylcycloalkyl, having 3-6 carbon atoms in the cycloalkyl ring and 1-6 carbon atoms in the alkyl moieties; aryl, such as phenyl; aralkyl, aralkenyl, and aralkynyl wherein the aryl moiety is phenyl and the linear chain has 1-6 carbon atoms; heteroaryl, heteroaralkyl, heterocycyl and heterocyclyalkyl wherein the substituent or substituents relative to the above-named radicals are selected from the group consisting of: amino, mono-, di- and trialkylamino, hydroxyl, alkoxyl, mercapto, alkylthio, arylthio such as phenyl thio, sulfamoyl, amidino, guanidino, nitro, chloro, bromo, fluoro, cyano and carboxy; and wherein the hetero atom or atoms in the above-named heterocyclic moieties are selected from the group consisting of 1-4 oxygen, nitrogen or sulphur atoms; and wherein the alkyl moieties of the above-recited substituents have 1-6 carbon atoms.

This invention also relates to the preparation of O-- and/or carboxyl derivatives of I which are antibiotics and which may be represented by the following generic structure (I): ##STR3## wherein R⁸ is as defined and X' oxygen, sulphur or NR' (R'=H or lower alkyl having 1-6 carbon atoms); and R⁵ is, inter alia, representatively selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, conventional blocking groups such as trialkylsilyl, acyl and the pharmaceutically acceptable salt, ester and amide moieties known in the bicyclic β-lactam antibiotic art; the definition of R⁵ is given in greater detail below; R⁴ is (1) acyl (generically the group OR⁴ is classifiable as an ester); or (2) R⁴ is selected from alkyl, aryl, aralkyl and the like (such that the group R⁴ is generically classifiable as an ether). The term "acyl" is by definition inclusive of the alkanoyls including derivatives and analogues thereof such as thio analogues wherein the carbonyl oxygen is replaced by sulphur; as well as sulphur and phosphorous acyl analogues such as substituted sulfonyl-, sulfinyl-, and sulfenyl-radicals, and substituted P (III and V) radicals such as substituted phosphorous-, phosphoric-, phosphonous- and phosphonic-radicals, respectively. Such acyl radicals of the present invention are further defined below, as are the radicals (2., above) which constitute the ether embodiments of the present invention.

There is a continuing need for new antibiotics, for unfortunately there is no static effectiveness of any given antibiotic because continued wide scale usage selectively gives rise to resistant strains of pathogens. In addition, the known antibiotics suffer from the disadvantage of being effective only against certain types of microorganisms. Accordingly, the search for new antibiotics continues.

Thus, it is an object of the present invention to provide a process for preparing antibiotics which are useful in animal and human therapy and in inanimate systems. These antibiotics are active against a broad range of pathogens which representatively include both gram positive bacteria such as S. aureus, Strep. pyogenes, and B. subtilis and gram negative bacteria such as E. coli, Proteus morganii, Serratia, Pseudomonas and Klebsiella.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The process of the present invention may be illustrated by the following scheme: ##STR4##

In words, the starting material 1 in a solvent such as dioxane, dimethylformamide (DMF), dimethylsulfoxide (DMSO) or the like is treated with a stoichiometric to 3 fold excess of the mercaptan reagent HSR⁸ in the presence of a base such as NaHCO₃, NaH, triethylamine (Et3N), diisopropylethylamine (iPr₂ NEt) or the like at a temperature of from -40° to 25° C. for from 1 to 6 hours. For free acid embodiments of I (X' is O and R⁵ is H), the starting material 1 is taken such that X' is O and R⁵ is a carboxyl blocking group which may be de-blocked by conventional procedures such as hydrolysis or hydrogenation after the above reaction with HSR⁸. Such free acid embodiments are also obtained by operating upon unprotected 1 (X'=O, R⁵ =H). Preferred blocking groups R⁵ for deblocking by hydrogenation are benzyl, p-nitrobenzyl or the like.

Starting material 1 is disclosed and claimed in co-pending, commonly assigned U.S. patent application Ser. No. 160717 filed June 18, 1980. This application is incorporated herein by reference since it discloses the central starting material for practice of the present invention. The leaving group X on starting material 1 is preferably chloro, bromo, methylsulfonyloxy, p-toluylsulfonyloxy or the like. The values of R⁴, X' and R⁵, which are common to final product I, are defined below.

Final products I are disclosed in co-pending, commonly assigned U.S. patent application Ser. No. 134,604 filed Mar. 27, 1980. This application is incorporated herein by reference since it discloses the final antibiotic products which are made available by practice of the present invention.

Final products I are also disclosed in co-pending, commonly assigned U.S. patent application Ser. No. 197856 filed Oct. 17, 1980. This application is incorporated herein by reference since it discloses the final antibiotic products which are made available by practice of the present invention.

(1.) Aliphatic Mercaptans: HSR⁸ wherein R⁸ is 1-10 carbon alkyl, cycloalkyl, alkenyl, cycloalkenyl, or alkynyl; R⁸ may be branched or unbranched,

EXAMPLES ##STR5##

(2.) Substituted Aliphatic Mercaptans: HSR⁸ wherein R⁸ is a 1-10 carbon branched or unbranched alkyl, cycloalkyl, alkenyl, cycloalkenyl, or alkynyl group substituted by one or more halo, ##STR6## wherein R¹ and R² are as previously defined relative to substituents on R⁸. Preferred substituents are basic nitrogen-containing groups.

EXAMPLES ##STR7##

(3.) Aryl Mercaptans: HSR⁸ wherein R⁸ is phenyl or substituted phenyl. The substituents are independently selected from those previously defined for R⁸. Especially preferred substituents include alkyl, halo, hydroxy, alkoxy, acyloxy, acyl, carboxy, mercapto, sulfinyl, sulfonyl, amino, substituted amino, aminoalkyl, substituted aminoalkyl, amido, and ureido. ##STR8##

n=1, 2 or 3,

X=F, Cl, Br, OH, OR, ##STR9## NH₂, NHR¹, NR¹ R², CH₂ NH₂, CH₂ NR¹ R², CO₂ H, CO₂ R¹, COR¹, CONH₂, CONR¹ R², R¹ CONH, R¹ NHCONH, SR¹, ##STR10## SO₂ R¹, CH₃, CF₃ ;

R¹ and R² are as previously defined under R⁸.

EXAMPLES ##STR11##

(4.) Heteroaryl Mercaptans: HSR⁸ wherein R⁸ is a substituted or unsubstituted heteroaryl group containing 1-4 O, N or S atoms. Typical substituents include those mentioned above under "Aryl Mercaptans".

EXAMPLES ##STR12##

(5.) Arylaliphatic Mercaptans: HSR⁸ where R⁸ is a 1-6 carbon branched or unbranched alkyl, cycloalkyl, alkenyl, or alkynyl group substituted by a phenyl or substituted phenyl group. Typical phenyl substituents include those mentioned under "Aryl Mercaptans".

EXAMPLES ##STR13##

(6.) Heteroarylaliphatic and Heterocyclylaliphatic, and heterocyclic Mercaptans HSR⁸ wherein R⁸ is a 1-6 carbon branched or unbranched alkyl, cycloalkyl, alkenyl, or alkynyl group substituted by a heteroaryl or heterocyclyl group containing 1-4, O, N, or S atoms. The heteroaryl or heterocyclic group is unsubstituted or substituted by those substituents mentioned under "Aryl Mercaptans", (No. 3 above).

EXAMPLES ##STR14##

(7.) Alkyl-Heteroatom-Alkyl Mercaptans, HSR⁸

Wherein R⁸ is --(CH₂)_(n) X(CH₂)_(m) R⁹ wherein n=2 to 4, m=2 to 4; X is NR°, O or S; and wherein R° is H, CH₃, CH₂ CH₃, CH₂ CH₂ OH, or CH₂ CH₂ NH₂ and R⁹ is OH, NH₂, NHCH₃, N(CH₃)₂, ##STR15##

Note, in the above representation, the methylene carbons may be branched; for example: ##STR16## and the like.

The following HSR⁸ are representative of this class: ##STR17##

(8.) Amidino and Amidinium mercaptans HSR⁸

Wherein R⁸ is: ##STR18## and wherein n=2-6; R¹ and R² are as initially defined under R⁸ ; and the dotted line indicates provision for the ring formed by the joinder of substituents carried by the imino carbon atoms. Such amidino and amidinium embodiments of final products I are also conveniently obtained by N-derivatization of the corresponding amino embodiment Ia according to the procedure disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,194,047 which patent is incorporated herein by reference since the N-derivatization of thienamycin disclosed in the incorporated by reference patent is strictly analogous to the N-derivatization contemplated to achieve the amidino embodiments characterized herein.

The following reaction summarizes such N-derivatization: ##STR19## wherein: relative to I-8, R⁸ is defined above in this category No. 8.

Relative to the amidino embodiments characterized under this heading, representatively preferred values for R¹ and R² attached to the carbon atom include:

H,

CH₃,

CH₂ CH₃,

CH₂ OH,

OCH₃,

CH₂ NH₂,

F,

PHENYL,

CF₃,

CH(CH₃)₂,

CH₂ CH₂ CH₃,

CH₂ F

benzyl, SCH₃, N(CH₃)₂, N⁺ (CH₃)₃ X³¹ (X⁻ defined above)

Representatively preferred values for R¹ and R² attached to the nitrogen atoms include:

H, phenyl, CH(CH₃)₂, C(CH₃)₃, NH₂,

CH₃, NHCH₃, N(CH₃)₂,

CH₂ CH₃,

CH₂ CH₂ OH,

--(CH₂)₄ --,

--CH₂ CH₂ --O--CH₂ CH₂,

OCH₃

Representatively preferred values for R² attached to the imino carbon atom include:

H,

CH₃,

CH₂ CH₃,

phenyl

The following values for HSR⁸ are also classified under the amidino mercaptans, giving rise to amidino embodiments of I:

R⁸ is: ##STR20## wherein R¹, R² and n are as defined immediately above; p and q are 0 or 1; A and B are selected from: the aforementioned values for R⁸ expressed in bivalent form (--R⁸ --) from categories No.'s 1-7; thus, A and B (or --R⁸ --) are selected from: cycloalkyl, alkenyl, cycloalkenyl, alkynyl (see Class No. 1, above); substituted: cycloalkyl, alkenyl, cycloalkenyl, alkynyl (see Class No. 2, above); phenyl and substituted phenyl (see Class No. 3, above); substituted and unsubstituted heteroaryl (see Class No. 4, above); aryl aliphatic (see Class No. 5, above); heteroarylaliphatic, heterocyclylaliphatic, and heterocyclic (see Class No. 6, above); and alkylheteroatom-alkyl (see Class No. 7, above); and B can also be selected from --O-- and --NR¹ --.

EXAMPLES ##STR21##

(9) Guanidino an Guanidinium Mercaptans HSR⁸

Wherein R⁸ is: ##STR22## and wherein n=2-6; R¹ and R² are as initially defined under R⁸ ; and the dotted line indicates provision for the ring formed by the joinder of substituents carried by the imino carbon atom. Such guanidino and guanidinium embodiments of the final products I are conveniently obtained by N-derivatization of the corresponding amino embodiments according to procedures disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,194,047 as was explained under 8. above.

Such guanidino embodiments are also conveniently prepared directly following the procedure described in Diagram III, above. Such procedure is also disclosed in co-pending, concurrently filed, commonly assigned U.S. patent application Ser. No. 197865 filed 10-17-80 of W. J. Leanza which application is incorporated herein by reference.

Representatively preferred values for R¹ and R² attached to the carbon atom include:

H,

CH₃,

CH₂ CH₃,

CH₂ OH,

OCH₃,

CH₂ NH₂,

F,

phenyl,

CF₃,

CH(CH₃)₂,

CH₂ CH₂ CH₃,

CH₂ F , benzyl, N(CH₃)₂

Representatively preferred values for R¹ and R² attached to nitrogen atoms include:

H,

CH₃,

CH₂ CH₃,

CH₂ CH₂ OH,

--(CH₂)₂ --

--(CH₂)₃ --

CH(CH₃)₂

--(CH₂)₄ --, phenyl, CH(CH₃)₂, C(CH₃)₃,

--CH₂ CH₂ OCH₂ CH₂ --

OCH₃, NH₂, NHCH₃, N(CH₃)₂

The following values for HSR⁸ are also classified under the guanidino mercaptans, giving rise to the guanidino embodiments of I:

R⁸ is: ##STR23## wherein R¹ and R² and n are as defined immediately above; p and q are 0 and 1; A and B are selected from: the aforementioned values for R⁸ expressed in bivalent form from categories No.'s 1-7.

Thus, A and B (or --R⁸ -- are selected from: cycloalkyl, alkenyl, cycloalkenyl, alkynyl (see Class No. 1, above); substituted: cycloalkyl, alkenyl, cycloalkenyl, alkynyl (see Class No. 2, above); phenyl and substitued phenyl (see Class No. 3, above); substituted and unsubstituted heteroaryl (see Class No. 4, above); aryl aliphatic (see Class No. 5, above); heteroarylaliphatic, heterocyclylaliphatic, and heterocyclic (see Class No. 6, above); and alkyl-heteroatom-alkyl (see Class No. 7, above); B is also selected from --O-- and --NR'--.

EXAMPLES ##STR24##

(10) Carbamimidoyl and carbamimidinium Mercaptans HSR⁸

Wherein R⁸ is: ##STR25## and wherein n is 0-6, and R¹ and R² are as initially defined under R⁸ ; the two nitrogen atoms demonstrated in the above structure may be joined via their substituents to form a ring which is indicated by the dotted line.

Representatively preferred values for R¹ and R² attached to the carbon atom include: hydrogen, methyl, ethyl, propyl, isopropyl, phenyl, benzyl, amino, methylamino, dimethylamino, trimethyl ammonium, ethylthio, methoxy, methoximino, methylene, vinyl, hydroxy, fluoro, trifluoromethyl, hydroxymethyl, fluoromethyl.

Representatively preferred values of R¹ and R² attached to nitrogen atoms include: hydrogen, ethyl, methyl, phenyl, benzyl, isopropyl, t-butyl, methoxy, amino, methylamino, dimethylamino, --(CH₂)₄ --, --(CH₂)₃, --(CH₂)₂ --.

The following values for HSR⁸ are also classified under the carbamimidoyl mercaptans, giving rise to carbamimidoyl embodiment of I;

R⁸ is: ##STR26## wherein R¹, R² and n are as defined immediately above; p and q are 0 or 1; and A and B are selected from the aforementioned values of R⁸ expressed in bivalent form (e.g., --R⁸ --) from categories No.'s 1-7; thus, A and B (or --R⁸ --) are selected from: cycloalkyl, alkenyl, cycloalkenyl, alkynyl (see Class No. 1, above); substituted: cycloalkyl, alkenyl, cycloalkenyl, alkynyl (see Class No. 2, above); phenyl and substituted phenyl (see Class No. 3, above); substituted and unsubstituted heteroaryl (see Class No. 4, above); arylaliphatic (see Class No. 5, above); heteroarylaliphatic, heterocyclylaliphatic, and heterocyclic (see Class No. 6, above); and alkylheteroatom-alkyl (see Class No. 7, above).

EXAMPLES ##STR27##

(11) Multiple Iminomethyl Mercaptans HSR⁸

Wherein R⁸ is: ##STR28## wherein W, J, L, Y and Z are chosen from --NR¹ --, NR¹ R², ##STR29## and R¹ is as previously, initially defined.

Representative combination of radicals W, J, L, Y & Z are: ##STR30## wherein R¹ and R² are as previously defined.

EXAMPLES ##STR31## Identification of the Radical --COX'R⁵

In the generic representation of the compounds of the present invention (I, above), the radical represented by --COX'R⁵ is, inter alia, --COOH (X' is oxygen an R⁵ is hydrogen) and all radicals known to be effective as pharmaceutically acceptable ester, anhydride (R⁵ is acyl) an amide radicals in the bicyclic β-lactam antibiotic art, such as the cephalosporins and penicillins and the nuclear analogues thereof.

Suitable radicals (R⁵) include conventional protecting or carboxyl blocking groups. The term "blocking group" as utilized herein is employed in the same manner and in accordance with the teaching of U.S. Pat. No. 3,697,515 which is incorporated herein by reference. Pharmaceutically acceptable derivatives of the present invention falling in this class are given below. Suitable blocking esters thus include those selected from the following list which is representative and not intended to be an exhaustive list of possible ester groups, wherein X'=O and R⁵ is given:

(i) R⁵ =CR^(a) R^(b) R^(c) wherein at least one of R^(a), R^(b) and R^(c) is an electron-doner, e.g., p-methoxyphenyl. The remaining R^(a), R^(b) and R^(c) groups may be hydrogen or organic substituting groups. Suitable ester groups of this type include p-methoxybenzyloyxcarbonyl.

(ii) R⁵ =CR^(a) R^(b) R^(c) wherein at least one of R^(a), R^(b) and R^(c) is an electron-attracting group, e.g., p-nitrophenyl, trichloromethyl, and o-nitrophenyl. Suitable esters of this type include p-nitrobenzyloxycarbonyl, and 2,2,2-trichloroethoxycarbonyl.

(iii) R⁵ =CR^(a) R^(b) R^(c) wherein at least two of R^(a), R^(b) and R^(c) are hydrocarbon such as alkyl, e.g, methyl or ethyl, or aryl, e.g., phenyl and the remaining R^(a), R^(b) and R^(c) group, if there is one, is hydrogen. Suitable esters of this type include t-butyloxycarbonyl, diphenylmethoxycarbonyl and triphenylmethoxycarbonyl.

Silyl esters, under this category of blocking groups, may conveniently be prepared from a halosilane of the formula:

    R.sup.4.sub.3 Six'

wherein X' is a halogen such as chloro or bromo and R⁴ is alkyl, e.g., methyl, ethyl, t-butyl.

More generally stated, pharmaceutically acceptable carboxyl derivatives of the present invention are those derived by reacting I with alcohols, acylating reagents and the like. For example, esters and amides of interest are the above-listed starting materials and final products having the --COX'R⁵ group at the 2-position; wherein X' is oxygen, sulfur or NR' (R' is H or R⁵), and R⁵ is alkyl having 1-6 carbon atoms, straight or branched, such as methyl, ethyl, t-butyl, and the like; carbonylmethyl, including phenacyl; aminoalkyl including 2-methylaminoethyl, 2-diethylaminoethyl; alkanoyloxyalkyl wherein the alkanoyloxy portion is straight or branched and has 1-6 carbon atoms and the alkyl portion has 1-6 carbon atoms, such as pivaloyloxymethyl; haloalkyl wherein halo is chloro, and the alkyl portion is straigth or branched having 1-6 carbon atoms, e.g., 2,2,2-trichloroethyl; alkenyl having 1-4 carbon atoms such as 2-propenyl, 3-butenyl, and 4-butenyl; aralkyl and lower alkoxyl- and nitro-substituted aralkyl such as benzyl, benzhydryl, o-nitrobenzyl, p-methoxybenzyl, and p-nitrobenzyl; phthalidyl; benzyloxyalkyl having 8-10 carbon atoms such as benzyloxymethyl, and (4-nitro) benzyloxymethyl.

In addition to the esters (and thio esters) listed above, amides are also embraced by the present invention, i.e., wherein X' is the ##STR32## group. Representative of such amides are those wherein R' is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen and lower alkyl such as methyl and ethyl.

The most preferred --COX'R⁵ radicals of the present invention are those wherein (relative to Structure I above), X is oxygen and R⁵ is hydrogen; loweralkyl having 1-4 carbon atoms; lower alkenyl such as 3-methylbutenyl, 4-butenyl and the like; benzyl and substituted benzyl such as p-nitrobenzyl; pivaloyloxymethyl, 3-phthalidyl; and phenacyl.

Identification of R⁴

In the generic representation of the present invention, Structure I (above, the radical R⁴ is, in addition to hydrogen, (1) acyl (generically the group --OR⁴ is classified as an ester); or (2) R⁴ is selected from alkyl, aryl, aralkyl, and the like such that the group --OR⁴ is classifiable as an ether. For the ester embodiments (1) R⁴ is selected from the following definition of acyl radicals. In the so-called ether embodiments (2) of the present invention, R⁴ is selected from the same acyl radicals wherein the carbonyl moiety, ##STR33## or more generally ##STR34## is deleted. Thus relative to the definition of R⁴, the acyl radical can, inter alia, be substituted or unsubstituted aliphatic, aromatic or heterocyclic, araliphatic or heterocyclylaliphatic carboxylic acid radical, a substituted or unsubstituted carbamyl radical or a carbothioic acid radical. One group of acyl radicals can be represented by the general formula: ##STR35## wherein X is O or S and R" represents hydrogen; amino; alkoxyl having 1-6 carbon atoms; alkyl having from 1-6 carbon atoms such as methyl or cyanomethyl; phenyl; or benzyl.

The acyl group can also be a radical of the formula: ##STR36## wherein X is O or S and n is 0-4, Z represents oxygen, sulfur, carbonyl or nitrogen and R" is defined as above. Representative members of the substituent

    --(CH.sub.2).sub.n ZR"

that might be mentioned are: phenoxymethyl, benzyloxy, methoxy, amino, 4-nitrobenzyloxy, and 2-nitrobenzyloxy.

Further acyl radicals of interest are: ##STR37## wherein R⁴ represents hydrogen, amino, hydroxy, carboxy or sulfo, and R⁵ represents phenyl or thienyl; the following acyl radicals are representative: phenylacetyl, 2-thienylacetyl, 1-tetrazolylacetyl, D-phenylglycyl, phenylmalonyl, and α-sulfophenylacetyl.

The acyl radical may also be selected from sulphur radicals: ##STR38## wherein m and n are integers selected from 0 or 1 and Y°=O.sup.⊖ M.sup.⊕, --N(R")₂, and R"; wherein M.sup.⊕ is selected from hydrogen, alkali metal cations and organic bases; and R" is as defined above, e.g., alkyl, alkenyl, aryl and heteroaryl.

An acyl class of particular interest is those acyl radicals which are selected from the group consisting of conventionally known N-acyl blocking or protective groups such as carbobenzyloxy, ring-substituted carbobenzyloxy such as o- and p-nitrocarbobenzyloxy, p-methoxycarbobenzyloxy, t-butoxycarbonyl, trifluoroacetyl, 2,2,2-trichloroethoxycarbonyl, and non-acyl protective groups such as triloweralkylsilyl, for examples, trimethyl and t-butyldimethyl are also of interest.

The following radicals according to the foregoing definition of acyl, are especially preferred for R⁴ of structure I: formyl, acetyl, aminoacetyl, methoxycarbonyl, carbamoyl, and sulfo.

Relative to the generic expression of the compounds of the present invention (I): ##STR39## The radicals R⁴ and/or --COX'R⁵ may be established after synthesis, rather than being established during the course of synthesis, by operating upon the hydroxyl group and/or the carboxyl group. Ester embodiments involving the carboxyl group are conveniently prepared by conventional procedures known in the art. Such procedures include:

(1) Reaction of I with a diazoalkane such as diazomethane, phenyldiazomethane, diphenyldiazomethane and the like in an inert solvent such as dioxane, THF, halohydrocarbons, acetonitrile, ethylcetate, and the like at a temperature of from -78° C. to 25° C. for from a few minutes to 2 hours.

(2) Reaction of the metallic salts (e.g., Na, Li) of the acid I with an activated alkyl halide such as methyliodide, benzylbromide, or m-phenoxybenzylbromide, p-t-butylbenzylbromide, m-phenoxybenzylbromide, and the like. Suitable reaction conditions include inert, anhydrous polar non-protic solvents such as hexamethylphosphoramide, DMF, THF, dioxane, and the like at a temperature of from -78° C. to 25° C. for from a few minutes to 4 hours.

(3) Reaction of the free acid (I) with an alcohol such as methano, ethano, benzyl alcohol, and the like. This reaction may be conducted in the presence of a carbodiimide condensing agent such as dicyclohexylcarbodiimide or the like. Suitable solvents, at a temperature of from 0° C. to reflux for from 15 minutes to 18 hours, include CHCl₃, CH₃ CN, CH₂ Cl₂, and the like.

(4) Reaction of an acid anhydride of I, prepared by reacting the free acid with an acid chloride such as ethylchloroformate, benzylchloroformate and the like, with an alcohol such as those listed in (3) under the same conditions of reaction as given above for (3). The anhydride is prepared by reaction of I and the acid chloirde in a solvent such as tetrahydrofuran (THF), CH₂ Cl₂ and the like in the presence of a base such as triethylamine or pyridine, at a temperature of from 25° C. to reflux for from 15 minutes to 10 hours.

(5) Reaction of labile esters of I such as the trimethylsilyl ester, dimethyl-t-butylsilyl ester or the like with RX' wherein X' is halogen such as bromo and chloro an R is as defined in a solvent such as THF, CH₂ Cl₂ and the like at a temperature of from 0° C. to reflux for from 15 minutes to 16 hours.

The amides of the present invention are most conveniently prepared by reacting the acid anhydride of Ia with ammonia or with the amine of choice, e.g., the alkyldialkyl-, aralkyl- or heterocyclic amines listed above.

The above-recited schemes of esterification are well known in the related bicyclic β-lactam antibiotic art and indeed in all of the general organic synthesis as and it is to be noted what there is no undue criticality of reaction parameters in the preparation of the compounds of the present invention.

Establishment of the radical R⁴ is conveniently established by reacting the carbinol by procedures conveniently known in the art such as:

(1) For the preparation of ether embodiments of the present invention, the acid catalized reaction of I with a diazoalkane such as diazomethane, phenyldiazomethane, diphenyldiazomethane and the like in an inert solvent such as dioxane, tetrahydrofuran (THF), halohydrocarbons such as CH₂ Cl₂, ethylacetate and the like in the presence of a catalytic amount of a strong acid or Lewis acid such as toluenesulfonic acid, trifluoroacetic acid, fluoboric acid, boron trifluoride and the like at a temperature of from -78° C. to 25° C. for from a few minutes to 2 hours.

(2) For the preparation of ether embodiments of the present invention, the reaction of I with an alkylating agent such as active halides, for example, methyliodide, benzylbromide, m-phenoxybenzylbromide, and the like, alkyl sulphonates such as dimethylsulfate, diethylsulphate, methylfluorosulfonate, and the like in the presence of a strong base capable of forming the alcoholate anion of I. Suitable bases include alkali and alkaline earth metal oxides and hydrous oxides, alkali metal alkoxides such as potassium tertiary-butoxide, tertiary amines such as triethylamine, alkali metal alkyls and aryls such as phenyllithium, and alkali metal amides such as sodium amide. Suitable solvents include any inert anhydrous solvent such as t-butanol, dimethylformamide (DMF), THF, hexamethylphosphoramide (HMPA) dioxane and the like at a temperature of from -78° C. to 25° C., for from a few minutes to 4 hours.

(3) For the preparation of ester embodiments, of the present invention, the reaction of I with any of the above-listed acyl radicals in their acid form. This reaction may be conducted in the presence of a carbodiimide condensing agent such as dicyclohexylcarbodiimide or the like. Suitable solvents include any inert solvent such as CHCl₃, CH₂ Cl₂ DMF, HMPA, acetone, dioxane and the like at a temperature of from 0° C. to 60° C. for from 15 minutes to 12 hours.

(4) For the preparation of ester embodiments of the present invention, the reaction of I with an acyl halide or an acid anhydride, wherein the acyl moiety is described above. Generally, when the above-described acylating reaction employs an acid halide (suitable halides are chloro, iodo or bromo or acid anhydride) the reaction is conducted in an anhydrous orgnic solvent such as acetone, dioxane, methylenechloride chloroform, DMF, or the like in the presence of a suitable acceptor base such as NaHCO₃, MgO, triethyleneamine, pyridine, 4-dimethylaminopyridine, and the like at a temperature of from 0° C. to 40°0 C. for from 1 to 4 hours.

Suitable acyl halides and anhydrides include: acetic anhydride, bromoacetic anhydride, propionic anhydride, benzoylchloride, phenylacetyl chloride, azidoacetyl chloride, 2-thienylacetyl chloride, 2-,3- and 4-nicotinyl chloride, p-nitrobenzoyl chloride, 2,6-dimethoxybenzoyl chloride, 4-guanidinophenylacetyl chloride, hydrochloride, methanesulfonyl chloride, dibenzylphosphorochloridate, dimethylthiophosphorochloridate, 2-furoyl ethyl, 2-furoyl ethyl carbonic anhydride, methylchloroformate, bis(p-nitrobenzyl)phosphorochloride and the like.

(5) For the preparation of ester embodiments of the present invention, the reaction of I with a suitably substituted ketene or isocyanate such as ketene, dimethyl ketene, methylisocyanate, methylisothiocyanate, chlorosulfonyl isocyanate and the like. Suitable solvents include dioxane, tetrahydrofuran, chloroform and the like at a temperature of from -70° C. to 60° C. for from 15 minutes to 18 hours. The following examples illustrate but do not limit the process of the present invention. All temperatures are in °C.

EXAMPLE 1 Preparation of 4-(2-Acetoxyethyl)-azetidin-2-one ##STR40##

A mixture of 4-(2-acetoxyvinyl)-azetidin-2-one (3.00 g), 10% Pd/C (0.15 g) and ethylacetate(EtOAc) (120 ml) is hydrogenated in a 500 ml glass bomb on a Parr shaker at an initial pressure of 39 psi. After shaking 10 mins (final pressure of 20 psi), the mixture is filtered through a pad of MgSO₄ to remove the catalyst. The filtrate is concentrated in vacuo and the residue stripped with anhydrous benzene to provide 4-(2-acetoxyethyl)-azetidin-2-one (3.098 g) as a clear oil: ir(neat) 3.01, 5.66, 5.75, 7.28, 8.05, and 9.61 cm⁻¹ ; nmr(CDCl₃)δ 1.95 (m, 2), 2.07 (s, 3), 2.60 (m, 1), 3.12 (m, 1), 3.70 (m, 1), 4.15 (m, 2), and 6.77 (br s, 1).

EXAMPLE 2 Preparation of N-(t-Butyldimethylsilyl)-4-(2-acetoxyethyl)-azetidin-2-one ##STR41##

Triethylamine (Et₃ N) (2.96 ml, 21.2 mmol) and t-butyldimethylsilyl chloride (3.059 g, 20.3 mmol) are added to an ice-cold stirring solution of 4-(2-acetoxyethyl)-azetidin-2-one (3.098 g, 19.3 mmol) in anhydrous dimethylformamide(DMF) (20 ml). A white precipitate appears immediately. The cooling bath is removed and the mixture is stirred at 25° C. (room temperature) for 5 mins. The mixture is diluted with benzene (200 ml), washed with H₂ O (5×80 ml) and brine, dired with MgSO₄, filtered, and evaporated under reduced pressure to afford N-(t-butyldimethylsilyl)-4-(2-acetoxyethyl)-azetidin-2-one (5.078 g) as an off white solid: ir(neat) 5.75, 8.08, 8.41, 11.92, and 12.18 cm⁻¹ ; nmr (CDCl₃)δ 0.25 (s, 6), 0.98 (s, 9), 1.97 (m, 2), 2.05 (s, 3), 2.67 (dd, 1), 3.20 (dd, 1) 3.62 (m, 1), and 4.12 (t, 2); mass spectrum m/e 214 (M⁺ -57) and 172.

EXAMPLE 3 Preparation of N-(t-Butyldimethylsilyl)-4-(2-hydroxyethyl)-azetidin-2-one ##STR42##

A solution of N-(t-butyldimethylsilyl)-4-(2-acetoxyethyl)azetidin-2-one (41.7 g, 0.154 mol) in anhydrous methanol (415 ml) is stirred under a N₂ atmosphere with ice-bath cooling. A solution of sodium methoxide (415 mg, 7.7 mmol) in anhydrous methanol (15 ml) is added and the resulting solution is stirred in the cold for 2 more hrs. Acetic acid (2.2 ml) is then added and the solvents are evaporated in vacuo (i.v.). The residue is taken up in EtOAc (300 ml), washed with H₂ O (4×75 ml), 5% NaHCO₃ (75 ml) and brine, dried with MgSO₄ and evaporated i.v. to a clear oil (21.3 g). This material is purified by chromatography on a Baker silica gel column (425 g, packed under EtOAc). After a 100 ml forefraction, 25 ml EtOAc fractions are collected every 2.5 mins. Fractions 41-49 yield starting material and fractions 51-90 afford N-(t-butyldimethylsilyl)-4-(2-hydroxyethyl)-azetidin- 2-one (19.4 g) as a clear oil: ir (neat) 2.88, 5.73, 5.80, 7.52 7.67, 7.99, 8.40, 11.95, and 12.18 cm⁻¹ ; nmr (CDCl₃) δ 0.25 (s, 6), 0.98 (s, 9), 1.82 (m, 2) 2.67 (dd, 1), 3.17 (dd, 1), 3.67 (t, 2), and 3.67 (m, 1); mass spectrum m/e 172.

EXAMPLE 4 Preparation of N-(t-Butyldimethylsilyl)-4-(2-oxoethyl)-azetidin-2-one ##STR43##

Anhydrous chromium trioxide (CrO₃) (1.94 g, 19.4 mmol) is added to a solution of anhydrous pyridine (3.07 g, 38.8 mmole) in anhydrous methylene chloride (CH₂ Cl₂) (50 ml). The resulting mixture is stirred at room temperature for 15 mins. A solution of N-(t-butyldimethylsilyl)-4-(2-hydroxyethyl)-azetidin-2-one (0.74 g, 3.23 mmol) in anhydrous CH₂ Cl₂ (5 ml) is added all at once. After stirring at room temperature for 5 mins, the mixture is decanted and the dark, gummy residue is washed with more CH₂ Cl₂. The combined CH₂ Cl₂ supernatant is evaporated i.v. The residue is tabken up in diethyl ether and filtered to remove chromium salts. The ethereal filtrate is washed with 5% NaHCO₃, 5% HCl, 5% NaHCO₃ and brine, dried with MgSO₄, filtered, and evaporated i.v. to yield N-(t-butyldimethylsilyl)-4-(2-oxoethyl)-azetidin-2-one (0.54 g) as an off-white solid: ir (CHCl₃) 5.77, 5.80, 7.36, 7.60, 7.99, 8.50 and 11.95 cm⁻¹ ; nmr (CDCl₃) δ 0.23 (s, 3), 0.27 (s, 3), 0.98 (s, 9), 2.63 (ddd, 1), 2.65 (dd, 1), 3.07 (ddd, 1), 3.37 (dd), 3.97 (m, 1), and 9.78 (t, 1); mass spectrum m/e 170 and 128.

EXAMPLE 5 Preparation of N-(t-Butyldimethylsilyl)-4-(3-benzyloxycarbonyl-2-hydroxypropyl)-azetidin-2-one ##STR44##

To a flame dried, 50 ml, 3-neck flask fitted with a N₂ inlet, magnetic stirrer, addition funnel, and serum cap are added anhydrous tetrahydrofuran (THF) (10.5 ml) and diisopropyl amine (0.579 ml, 4.13 mmol). The solution is cooled in an ice-methanol bath under N₂ and treated with 2.4N n-butyl lithium in hexane (1.72 ml). After being stirred at -10° for 15 mins, the solution is cooled to -78° and treated dropwise over 9 mins with a solution of benzyl acetate (0.620 g, 4.13 mmol) in anhydrous THF (3.5 ml). After stirring 15 more mins at -78° C., the reaction mixture is treated dropwise over 13 mins with a solution of N-(t-butyldimethylsilyl)-4-(2-oxoethyl)-azetidin-2-one (0.894 g, 3.93 mmol) in anhydrous THF (6 ml). The reaction mixture is stirred at -78° an additional 15 mins and then quenched with 2.5N HCl (6 ml). EtOAc (100 ml) is added and the organic phase is separated, washed with H₂ O (2×20 ml), 5% NaHCO₃ (20 ml) and brine, dried with MgSO₄, and filtered. The filtrate is evaporated i.v. and the residue stripped with φH to yield N-(t-butyldimethylsilyl)-4-(3-benzyloxycarbonyl-2-hydroxypropyl)-azetidin-2-one (1.432 g) as an oil: ir (neat) 2.87, 5.73, 5.79, 7.57, 7.96, 8.39, 11.92, and 12.16 cm⁻¹ ; mass spectrum m/e 362, 320, 278, 170 and 128.

EXAMPLE 6 Preparation of N-(t-Butyldimethylsilyl)-4-(3-benzyloxycarbonyl-2-oxopropyl)-azetidin-2-one ##STR45##

Anhydrous CrO₃ (2.274 g, 22.74 mmol) is added to a solution of anhydrous pyridine (3.597 g, 45.48 mmol) in anhydrous CH₂ Cl₂ (60 ml). After stirring at room temperature (25° C.) for 15 mins, the reaction mixture is treated all at once with a solution of N-(t-butyldimethylsilyl)-4-(3-benzyloxycarbonyl-2-hydroxypropyl-azetidin-2-one (1.432 g, 3.79 mmol) in anhydrous CH₂ Cl₂ (25 ml). The resulting mixture is stirred at 25° C. for 5 mins. The CH₂ Cl₂ layer is decanted from the dark, gummy residue which is triturated with more CH₂ Cl₂. The combined CH₂ Cl₂ phase is evaporated i.v. The residue is triturated with diethylether (Et₂ O) (100 ml) in several portions and the Et₂ O extracts are filtered to remove chromium salts. The ethereal filtrate is washed with 5% NaHCO₃, 1N HCl, 5% NaHCO₃ and brine, dried with MgSO₄, filtered, and evaporated i.v. to yield N-(t-butyldimethylsilyl)-4-(3-benzyloxycarbonyl-2-oxopropyl)-azetidin-2-one (1.042 g) as a pale yellow oil:

ir (neat) 5.72 (3 poorly resolved peaks), 7.59 7.98, 8.42, and 11.93 cm⁻¹ ;

nmr (CDCl₃) δ 0.18 (s, 3), 0.22 (s, 3), 0.97 (s, 9), 2.53 (dd, 1), 2.63 (dd, 1), 3.13 (dd, 1), 3.28 (dd, 1), 3.47 (s, 2), 3.88 (m, 1), 5.17 (s, 2), and 7.33 (s, 5); mass spectrum m/e 360, 318, and 2.76.

EXAMPLE 7 Preparation of 4-(3-Benzyloxycarbonyl-2-oxopropyl)-azetidin-2-one ##STR46##

N-(t-butyldimethylsilyl)-4-(3-benzyloxycarbonyl-2-oxopropyl)-azetidin-2-one (302 mg, 0.80 mmol) is dissolved in acetic acid (4.0 ml) and the solution is diluted with H₂ O(2.0 ml). The resulting solution is stirred in a securely stoppered, 10 ml, round-bottom flask in an oil bath maintained at 73° C. for 7 hrs. After cooling to room temperature, the reaction mixture is diluted with EtOAc and toluene and evaporated i.v. The residue is stripped twice with toluene to yield a yellow oil (220 mg). The crude product is chromatographed on Baker silica gel (8.8 g, packed under EtOAc). The column is eluted with EtOAc; 3 ml fractions being collected every 2.25 mins. Fractions 14-30 are combined and evaporated i.v. to provide 4-(3-benzyloxycarbonyl-2-oxopropyl)-azetidin-2-one (114 mg) as a clear oil: ir (neat) 3.04, 5.68, 5.72 and 5.83 cm⁻¹ ; nmr (CDCl₃) δ 2.52 (ddd, 1), 2.67 (dd, 1), 3.02 (dd, 1), 3.12 (ddd, 1), 3.48 (s, 2), 3.88 (m, 1), 5.18 (s, 2), 6.17 (m, 1), and 7.37 (s, 5); mass spectrum m/e 261 (M⁺), 233, 219, 192, 127 and 91.

EXAMPLE 8 Preparation of 4-(3-Benzyloxycarbonyl-3-diazo-2-oxopropyl)-azetidin-2-one ##STR47##

Freshly recrystallized p-carboxy benzene sulfonylazide (241 mg, 1.06 mmol) is added to a solution of 4-(3-benzyloxycarbonyl-2-oxopropyl)-azetidin-2-one (276 mg, 1.06 mmol) in anhydrous acetonitrile (6.6 ml). The resulting suspension is cooled in an ice-bath and stirred while Et₃ N (443 μl, 3.18 mmol) is added. The resulting yellow solution is stirred at room temperature. A precipitate forms quickly. After 90 mins, the mixture is diluted with EtOAc (50 ml) and filtered. The filtrate is washed with H₂ O (2×10 ml), 0.5N NaOH (2×10 ml), H₂ O (4×10 ml) and brine, dried with MgSO₄, filtered, and evaporated i.v. to an off-white solid (273 mg). This is triturated with Et₂ O to provide 4-(3-benzyloxycarbonyl-3-diazo-2-oxopropyl)-azetidin-2-one (227 mg) as a cream colored powder: ir (film from CHCl₃) 3.0, 4.65, 5.66, 5.82, 6.05, 7.21, 7.70 and 8.23 cm⁻¹ ; nmr (CDCl₃) δ 2.63 (ddd, 1), 2.97 (dd, 1), 3.15 (ddd, 1), 3.40 (dd, 1), 3.98 (m, 1), 5.27 (s, 2), 6.13 (m, 1), and 7.38 (s, 5); mass spectrum m/e 259, 245, 231, and 218.

EXAMPLE 9 Preparation of Benzyl 1-azabicyclo[3.2.0]heptan-3,7-dione-2-carboxylate ##STR48##

A solution of 4-(3-benzyloxycarbonyl-3-diazo-2-oxopropyl)-azetidin-2-one (20 mg) in anhydrous benzene (5 ml) is irradiated for 60 mins at room temperature using a Hanovia 450 W medium-pressure mercury lamp and a Pyrex filter. Dry N₂ is bubbled through the solution prior to and during the photolysis. Evaporation of the solvent in vacuo gives an oil (17 mg) which is purified by chromatography on a 250μ×20×20 cm silica gel GF plate using 3:1φH--EtOAc as developing solvent. The band at Rf 0.3 is removed and eluted with EtOAc to give a clear oil (2.4 mg). This material is further purified by tlc on a 250μ×7.5×8.5 cm silica gel GF plate. The cleanly resolved band at Rf 0.29 is removed and eluted with EtOAc to give benzyl 1-azabicyclo[3.2.0]heptan-3,7-dione-2-carboxylate (0.7 mg) as a clear oil: ir (CCl₄) 1783, 1773, and 1744 cm⁻¹ ; ir (CHCl₃) 1767, 1741 cm⁻¹ ; uv (Cy) 215 nm; nmr (CDCl₃) δ 2.36 (dd, J=8 and 18.5, 1), 2.90 (dd, J=6 and 18.5, 1), 2.92 (dd, J=2 and 16, 1), 3.63 (dd, J=5 and 16, 1), 4.11 (m, 1), 4.71 (s, 1), 5.19 (s, 2) and 7.33 (s, 5); mass spectrum m/e 259 (M⁺), 231 (M⁺ -28), 217 (M⁺ -42), 203, 187, 186, 168 (M⁺ -91), 124, and 91; high resolution mass spectrum m/e 259.0842 (C₁₄ H₁₃ NO₄).

EXAMPLE 10 Preparation of Benzyl 3-toluenesulfonyloxy-1-azabicyclo[3.2.0]hept-2-en-7-one-2-carboxylate ##STR49##

p-Toluenesulfonic anhydride (33 mg, 0.1 mmol) and Et₃ N (17 μl, 0.12 mmol) are added to a solution of benzyl 1-azabicyclo[3.2.0]heptan-3,7-dione-2-carboxylate (26 mg., 0.1 mmol) in anhydrous CH₂ Cl₂ (2 ml). The resulting solution is stirred at room temperature for 2 hours. The mixture is diluted with CH₂ Cl₂ (10 ml), washed with H₂ O (2×5 ml), pH 3 phosphate buffer (5 ml) and 5% NaHCO₃ (5 ml), dried with MgSO₄, filtered and evaporated i.v. to provide benzyl 3-toluenesulfonyloxy-1-azabicyclo[3.2.0]hept-2-en-7-one-2-carboxylate.

EXAMPLE 11 Preparation of Benzyl 6-(1-hydroxyethyl)-3-toluenesulfonyloxy-1-azabicyclo[3.2.0]hept-2-en-7-one-2-carboxylate ##STR50##

A solution of benzyl 3-toluenesulfonyloxy-1-azabicyclo[3.2.0]hept-2-en-7-one-2-carboxylate (41 mg) in anhydrous THF (0.5 ml) is added dropwise over 5 mins to a stirring solution of lithium diisopropylamide (from 15.5 μl of diisopropylamine and 0.07 ml of 1.6N BuLi) in anhydrous THF (1.5 ml) at -78°. The resulting solution is stirred at -78° for 10 mins and then treated with acetaldehyde (56 μl). After 5 more mins, saturated aqueous NH₄ Cl solution (1.5 ml) is added and the mixture is allowed to warm to room temperature. The mixture is diluted with ethyl acetate (20 ml), washed with H₂ O and brine, dried with MgSO₄, filtered, and evaporated in vacuo to provide benzyl 6-(1-hydroxyethyl)-3-toluenesulfonyloxy-1-azabicyclo[3.2.0]hept-2-en-7-one-2-carboxylate as a mixture of diastereomers.

EXAMPLE 12 Preparation of Benzyl 3-chloro-1-azabicyclo[3.2.0]hept-2-en-7-one-2-carboxylate ##STR51##

Benzyl 1-azabicyclo[3.2.0]heptane-3,7-dione-2-carboxylate (26 mg, 0.1 mmol) in anhydrous DMF (0.5 ml) containing PCl₃ (27 mg, 0.2 mmol) is kept at 25° C. for 5 hrs. The mixture is diluted with toluene (5 ml), washed with H₂ O (5×1 ml), 5% HCl (2 ml), 5% NaHCO₃ (2 ml) and brine, dried with MgSO₄, and filtered. Evaporation of the solvent in vacuo provides crude benzyl 3-chloro-1-azabicyclo[3.2.0]hept-2-en-7-one-2-carboxylate.

EXAMPLE 13 Preparation of Benzyl 6-(1-hydroxyethyl)-3-chloro-1-azabicyclo[3.2.0]hept-2-en-7-one-2-carboxylate ##STR52##

The title compound is obtained by the procedure of Example 11 by substituting benzyl 3-chloro-1-azabicyclo[3.2.0]hept -2-en-7-one-2-carboxylate (28 mg) for the 3-toluenesulfonyloxy derivative.

EXAMPLE 14 Preparation of Benzyl 6-(1-hydroxyethyl)-3-isopropylthio-1-azabicyclo[3.2.0]hept-2-en-7-one-2-carboxylate ##STR53##

A solution of benzyl 6-(1-hydroxyethyl)-3-chloro-1-azabicyclo[3.2.0]hept-2-ene-7-one-2-carboxylate (32 mg) in anhydrous dimethylformamide (DMF, 2 ml) is cooled to -40° C. and stirred under a nitrogen atmosphere. A solution of isopropylmercaptan (8 mg) in anhydrous DMF (1 ml) containing 57% sodium hydride (4.4 mg) is added dropwise over 10 mins. The resulting solution is stirred for 2 hrs, with gradual warming to 0° C. The solution is diluted with ethyl acetate (20 ml), washed with water (5×10 ml) and brine, dried over MgSO₄, filtered, and evaporated in vacuo. The residue is purified by plc on silica gel GF to yield benzyl 6-(1-hydroxyethyl)-3-isopropylthio-1-azabicyclo[3.2.0]hept-2-en-7-one-2-carboxylate.

EXAMPLE 15 Preparation of Sodium 6-(1-hydroxyethyl)-3-isopropylthio-1-azabicyclo[3.2.0]hept-2-en-7-one-2-carboxylate ##STR54##

Benzyl 6-(1-hydroxyethyl)-3-isopropylthio-1-azabicyclo[3.2.0]hept-2-en-7-one-2-carboxylate (25 mg) is dissolved in dioxane (2 ml) and the solution is treated with water (1 ml) containing sodium bicarbonate (6 mg) and 10% palladium on powdered charcoal (25 mg). The resulting mixture is hydrogenated at 40 psi for 1 hr. The catalyst is filtered off and washed with water (3 ml). The combined filtrate is extracted with ethyl acetate (3×2 ml), concentrated in vacuo, and lyophilized to afford sodium 6-(1-hydroxyethyl)-3-isopropylthio-1-azabicyclo[3.2.0]hept-2-en-7-one-2-carboxylate.

EXAMPLE 16 Preparation of Benzyl 6-(1-hydroxyethyl)-3-(2-dimethylaminoethylthio)-1-azabicyclo[3.2.0]hept-2-en-7-one-2-carboxylate ##STR55##

A mixture of benzyl 6-(1-hydroxyethyl)-3-toluenesulfonyloxy-1-azabicyclo[3.2.0]hept-2-en-7-one-2-carboxylate (46 mg), 2-(N,N-dimethylamino)ethyl mercaptan hydrochloride (14.2 mg), and triethylamine (14 μl) in anhydrous DMF (2 ml) is stirred at room temperature (25° C.) for 2 hrs. The mixture is added to ethyl acetate (20 ml), washed with 5% sodium bicarbonate (10 ml), water (4×10 ml) and brine, dried over MgSO₄, filtered, concentrated in vacuo. Purification of the residue by chromatography on silica gel gives benzyl 6-(1-hydroxyethyl)-3-(2-dimethylaminoethylthio)-1-azabicyclo[3.2.0]hept-2-en-7-one-2-carboxylate.

EXAMPLE 17 Preparation of 6-(1-hydroxyethyl)-3-(2-dimethylaminoethylthio)-1-azabicyclo[3.2.0]hept-2-en-7-one-2-carboxylic acid ##STR56##

A mixture of benzyl 6-(1-hydroxyethyl)-3-(2-dimethylaminoethylthio)-1-azabicyclo[3.2.0]hept-2-en-7-one-2-carboxylate (30 mg), 10% palladium on powdered charcoal (30 mg), dioxane (3 ml), water (1.5 ml), and ethanol (0.5 ml) is hydrogenated at 45 psi for 1 hr. The catalyst is filtered off and washed with water (4 ml) and 0.1M pH 7 phosphate buffer (1 ml). The combined filtrate is washed with ethyl acetate, concentrated in vacuo to ca. 1 ml, and charged onto a column of Dowex 50-X4 resin (Na form). The product is eluted with DI water. The appropriate fractions are combined, concentrated in vacuo to ca. 5 ml, and lyophilized to give 6-(1-hydroxyethyl)-3-(2-dimethylaminoethylthio)-1-azabicyclo[3.2.0]hept-2-en-7-one-2-carboxylic acid.

EXAMPLE 18 Preparation of Benzyl 6-(1-hydroxyethyl)-3-phenylthio-1-azabicyclo[3.2.0]hept-2-en-7-one-2-carboxylate ##STR57##

To an ice-cold, stirring solution of benzyl 6-(1-hydroxyethyl)-3-toluenesulfonyloxy-1-azabicyclo[3.2.0]hept-2-en-7-one-2-carboxylate (46 mg) in anhydrous DMF (1 ml) is added N-isopropyl-N,N-diethylamine (13 mg) and thiophenol (11 mg). The resulting solution is stirred in the cold for 15 mins. and at room temperature for 45 mins, then diluted with ethyl acetate (10 ml). The mixture is thoroughly washed with water (5×2 ml) and brine, dried with MgSO₄, filtered, and evaporated to dryness. The residue is purified on a silica gel GF plate to yield benzyl 6-(1-hydroxyethyl)-3-phenylthio-1-azabicyclo[3.2.0]hept-b 2-en-7-one-2-carboxylate.

EXAMPLE 19 Preparation of Sodium 6-(1-hydroxyethyl)-3-phenylthio-1-azabicyclo[3.2.0]hept-2-en-7-one-2-carboxylate ##STR58##

Benzyl 6-(1-hydroxyethyl)-3-phenylthio-1-azabicyclo[3.2.0]hept-2-en-7-one-2-carboxylate is hydrogenolyzed as described in Example 15 to provide sodium 6-(1-hydroxyethyl)-3-phenylthio-1-azabicyclo[3.2.0]hept-2-en-7-one-2-carboxylate.

EXAMPLE 20 Preparation of Benzyl 6-(1-hydroxyethyl)-3-(1-methyl-5-tetrazolylthio)-1-azabicyclo[3.2.0]hept-2-en-7-one-2-carboxylate ##STR59##

Benzyl 6-(1-hydroxyethyl)-3-(1-methyl-5-tetrazolylthio)-1-azabicyclo[3.2.0]hept-2-en-7-one-2-carboxylate is prepared according to the procedure of Example 18 by substituting 1-methyl-tetrazol-5-thiol (12 mg) for thiophenol.

EXAMPLE 21

Preparation of sodium 6-(1-hydroxyethyl)-3-(1-methyl-5-tetrazolylthio)-1-azabicyclo[3.2.0]hept-2-en-7-one-2-carboxylate ##STR60##

Benzyl 6-(1-hydroxyethyl)-3-(1-methyl-5-tetrazolylthio)-1-azabicyclo[3.2.0]hept-2-en-7-one-2-carboxylate is deblocked as described in Example 15 to provide sodium 6-(1-hydroxyethyl)-3-(1-methyl-5-tetrazolylthio)-1-azabicyclo[3.2.0]hept-2-en-7-one-2-carboxylate.

EXAMPLE 22 BENZYL 1-AZABICYCLO[3.2.0]HEPTAN-3,7-DIONE-2-CARBOXYLATE ##STR61##

A mixture of 4-(3-benzyloxycarbonyl-3-diazo-2-oxopropyl)-azetidin-2-one (718 mg. 2.5 mMol), rhodium (II) acetate (5 mg) and anhydrous benzene (50 ml) is deoxygenated by bubbling nitrogen through it for 45 minutes. The mixture is then stirred and heated in an oil bath maintained at 80° C. for 70 minutes. After cooling to room temperature, the mixture is filtered and the filtrate is evaporated under vacuum to an oil. Crystallization from ethyl acetate (5 ml)-diethylether (20 ml) provides benzyl 1-azabicyclo[3.2.0]heptan-3,7-dione-2-carboxylate (502 mg, 77% yield) as small, white prisms: mp 100°-102°; IR (CH₂ Cl₂) 1770; 1741 cm⁻¹ ; UV (dioxane) 220 nm; NMR (CDCl₃, 300 MHz) δ 2.43 (dd, 1, J=8 and 19, H4a), 2.94 (dd, 1, J=6.5 and 19, H 4b), 2.99 (dd, 1, J=2 and 16, H6B), 3.63 (dd, 1, J=5 and 16, H6α), 4.18 (m, 1, H5), 4.76 (S, 1, H2), 5.23 (S, 2, CH₂ φ), and 7.40 (S, 5, ArH); MS m/e 259 (M+), 231 (M+-28), 217 (M+-42), 203, 187, 186, 168 (M+-91), 124, and 91.

Anal. Calculated for C₁₄ H₁₃ NO₄ : C, 64.86; H, 5.05; N, 5.40. Found: C, 64.92; H, 5.01; N, 5.11.

EXAMPLE 23 DICYCLOHEXYLAMMONIUM 1-AZABICYCLO[3.2.0]HEPTAN-3,7-DIONE-2-CARBOXYLATE ##STR62##

A solution of benzyl 1-azabicyclo[3.2.0]heptan-3,7-dione-2-carboxylate (25.9 mg, 0.1 mMol) in dioxane (1.5 ml) is added to a mixture of 10% palladium on charcoal (5 mg) and dioxane (1.0 ml) which had been equilibrated under an atmosphere of hydrogen for 10 minutes. The resulting mixture is stirred under 1 atmosphere of hydrogen at room temperature for 30 mins., during which time 2.6 ml of hydrogen are absorbed. The mixture is filtered and the catalyst is washed with more dioxane (0.5 ml). The filtrate, which contains 1-azabicyclo[3.2.0]heptan-3,7-dione-2-carboxylic acid, is divided into two equal 1.5 ml portions.

One portion of the dioxane filtrate is treated with a solution of dicyclohexylamine (9.1 mg, 0.05 mMol) in dioxane. The solvent is removed under vacuum and the residue is triturated with diethyl ether to yield dicyclohexylammonium 1-azabicyclo[3.2.0]heptan-3,7-dione-2-carboxylate as a white powder: IR (Nujol) 1764, 1637 cm⁻¹ ; NMR (D₂ O) δ 1.1-2.2 (m, --CH₂ CH₂ CH₂ CH₂ CH₂ --), 2.64 (dd, J=7.8 and 19.0, H4a), 2.89 (dd, J=7.9 and 19.0, H4b), 3.08 (dd, J=2 and 16.6, H6β), 3.26 (m, N--CH), 3.61 (dd, J=4.7 and 16.6, H6α), 4.17 (m, H5), and 4.8 (br s, HOD, obscures H2 resonance).

EXAMPLE 24 Benzyl 3-(p-toluenesulfonyloxy)-1-azabicyclo[3.2.0]hept-2-en-7-one-2-carboxylate ##STR63##

p-Toluenesulfonic anhydride (326 mg, 1 mμol) and N,N-diisopropylethylamine (192 μl, 1.1 mμol) are added to an ice-cold, stirring solution of benzyl 1-azabicyclo[3.2.0]heptan-3,7-dione-2-carboxylate (259 mg, 1 mμol) in anhydrous methylene chloride (10 ml). The resulting solution is stirred in the cold and under a nitrogen atmosphere for 2.5 hours. The solution is diluted with methylene chloride (20 ml), washed with water (10 ml). 1M pH3 phosphate buffer (10 ml) and 5% aqueous sodium bicarbonate (2×10 ml) dried with magnesium sulfate, filtered, and evaporated under vacuum to a semi-solid. This material is triturated with ice-cold ethyl acetate (2×2 ml) and diethyl ether (2×5 ml) to provide benzyl 3-(p-toluenesulfonyloxy)-1-azabicyclo[3.2.0]hept-2-en-7-one-2-carboxylate (276 mg, 67%) as a white powder. Recrystallization from methylene chloridediethyl ether gives analytically pure product as small white needles: mp 103° -105°; IR (CH₂ Cl₂) 1786, 1723, 1382, and 1190 cm⁻¹ ; NMR (CDCl₃) 8 2.44 (s, 3, ArCH₃) 3.03 (dd, 1, J=3.0 and 17.0, H6β), 3.16 (dd, 1, J=8.5 and 18.7, H4a), 3.32 (dd, 1, J=10.0 and 18.7, H4b), 3.55 (dd, 1, J=5.5 and 17.0, H6α), 4.21 (m, 1, H5), 5.14 (ABq, 2, J=12, CH₂ Ar), 7.35 (S, 5, ArHN, 7.26 and 7.75 (two d's, 4, J=9, ArH); UV(dioxane) 283 (ε6600) and 277 (ε6500) nm.

Anal., Calculated for C₂₁ H₁₉ NO₆ S: C, 61.01; H, 4.63; N, 3.39. Found: C, 59.94; H, 4.47; N, 3.26.

EXAMPLE 25 Benzyl 3-(p-nitrobenzenesulfonyloxy)-1-azabicyclo[3.2.0]hept-2-en-7-one-2-carboxylate ##STR64##

An ice-cold solution of benzyl 1-azabicyclo[3.2.0]heptan-3,7-dione-2-carboxylate (20 mg, 0.077 mmol) in methylene chloride (2 ml) is treated with p-nitrobenzenesulfonic anhydride (37.3 mg, 0.096 mmol) and N,N-diisopropylethylamine (18.3 μl, 0.015 mmol). After stirring in the cold for 20 minutes, the solution is diluted with cold methylene chloride (1 ml) and cold 0.1M pH 7 phosphate buffer (2 ml) and shaken. The organic phase is separated, washed with cold 0.1M pH7 phosphate buffer (2×2 ml), water and brine, dried with magnesium sulfate, and filtered. The filtrate is diluted with cold methanol (0.5 ml) and quickly evaporated under vacuum to give a solid. The crude product is triturated with cold methanol and dried under vacuum to provide benzyl 3-(p-nitrobenzenesulfonyloxy)-1-azabicyclo[3.2.0]hept-2-en-7-one-2-carboxylate (26 mg) as a white solid: mp 86°-88°; IR (CH₂ Cl₂) 1794, 1723, 1521, and 1344 cm⁻¹ ; UV (CHCl₃) 257 (ε 10,600) and 280 (ε 7,600) nm; NMR (CDCl₃) δ3.08 (dd, 1, J=3.6 and 17, H6β), 3.25 (dd, 1, J=8.8 and 18, H3a), 3.35 (dd, 1, J=9.8 and 18, H4b), 3.59 (dd, 1, J=5.4 and 17, H6α), 4.26(m, 1, H5), 5.10 (ABq, 2, J=21.2, CH₂ φ), 7.32 (s, 5, C₆ H₅), 8.03 and 8.22 (two d's, 4, J=9.3, NO₂ C₆ H₄).

Preparation of p-nitrobenzene sulfonic anyhydride

A mixture of p-nitrobenzenesulfonic acid (20 g), phosphorous pentoxide (50 g) and 1,2-dichloroethylene (100 ml) is heated at reflux for 4 days. The hot supernatant is decanted from the gummy residue and allowed to cool to room temperature. The resulting crystalline precipitate of p-nitrobenzenesulfonic anhydride (1.5 g) is collected, washed with anhydrous diethylether, and dried under vacuum. The gummy residue is twice more refluxed overnight with 100 ml portions of dichloroethylene and worked up as above to provide additional p-nitrobenzenesulfonic anhydride (4.0 g); mp 171°-172°.

EXAMPLE 26 BENZYL 3-DIPHENYLPHOSPHORYL-1-AZABICYCLO[3.2.0]HEPT-2-EN-7-ONE-2-CARBOXYLATE ##STR65##

An ice-cold, stirring solution of benzyl 1-azabicyclo[3.2.0]heptan-3,7-dione-2-carboxylate (13 mg, 0.05 mMol), 4-dimethylamino pyridine (1.2 mg, 0.01 mMol) and N,N-diisopropylethylamine (12.2 μl, 0.07 mMol) in anhydrous acetonitrile (0.5 ml) is treated with diphenyl chlorophosphate (12.4 μl, 0.06 mMol). The resulting solution is stirred in the cold and under a nitrogen atmosphere for 2 hours, then diluted with methylene chloride (5 ml), washed with water (2 ml), 0.1M pH 7 phosphate buffer (2 ml) and brine, dried over magnesium sulfate, and filtered. Evaporation of the filtrate under vacuum leaves crude benzyl 3-diphenylphosphoryl-1-azabicyclo[3.2.0]-hept-2-en-7-one-2-carboxylate (22 mg) as an oil: UV (dioxane) 281 nm; NMR(CDCl₃) δ 2.90 (dd, 1, J=3 and 17, H6β), 3.17(m, 2, H4a and H4 b), 3.52 (dd, 1, J=5.5 and 17, H6α), 4.13(m, 1, H5), 5.28(S, 2, C₂ φ), and 7.30(m, 15, ArH).

EXAMPLE 27 N-(t-Butyldimethylsilyl)-4-[3-(p-nitrobenzyloxycarbonyl)-2-hydroxypropyl]-azetidin-2-one ##STR66##

A mixture of crude N-(t-butyldimethylsilyl)-4-(3-benzyloxycarbonyl-2-hydroxypropyl)-azetidin-2-one (11.33 g, 30 mmol), ethanol (300 ml) and 10% palladium on charcoal (1.13 g) is hydrogenated at 50 psi for 1 hour. The mixture is filtered and the filtrate is treated with water (150 ml) containing sodium bicarbonate (2.52 g, 30 mmol) and concentrated under vacuum to ca 100 ml. The aqueous concentrate is washed with ethyl acetate (2×100 ml) and lyophilized to provide the sodium carboxylate (7.70 g) as a white powder.

The sodium salt and p-nitrobenzyl bromide (6.48 g, 30 mmol) are dissolved in anhydrous dimethyl formamide (150 ml) under a nitrogen atmosphere. After standing for 1 hour at room temperature, the solution is evaporated under vacuum to a semi-solid.The residue is taken up in ethyl acetate (200 ml), washed with water (2×200 ml) and brine, dried over magnesium sulfate, filtered, and evaporated under vacuum. The residual yellow oil is chromatographed on silica gel (250 g) using 1:1 toluene-ethyl acetate as eluting solvent to provide N-(t-butyldimethylsilyl)-4-[3-(p-nitrobenzyloxycarbonyl)-2-hydroxypropyl)-azetidin-2-one (8.92 g, 70%) as an oil which solidified on standing: IR (CH₂ Cl₂) 3585, 1733, 1527, and 1350 cm⁻¹ ; NMR(CDCl₃) δ 0.22 (s, 3, CH₃), 0.25 (s, 3, CH₃), 0.93 (s, 9, C(CH₃)₃), 1.16-2.33 (m, 2, CH--CH₂ --CH), 2.40-3.47 (m, 3, OH and H3α and H3β), 2.55 (d, 2, J=6, CH₂ CO₂), 3.50-4.33 (m, 2, H4 and CH--OH), 5.30 (s, 2, CH₂ Ar), and 7.55, 8.27 (two d's, 4, J=8.5, ArH).

EXAMPLE 28 N-(t-Butyldimethylsilyl)-4-[3-(p-nitrobenzyloxycarbonyl)-2-hydroxypropyl]-azetidin-2-one ##STR67##

A mixture of crude N-(t-butyldimethylsilyl)-4-(3-benzyloxycarbonyl-2-Hydroxypropyl)-azetidin-2-one (13.46 g, 35.6 mmol), 10% palladium on charcoal, and ethanol (200 ml) is hydrogenated at 40 psi for 30 mins. The mixture is filtered and the filtrate is evaporated under vacuum and stripped with toluene to give N-(t-butyldimethylsilyl)-4-(3-carboxy-2-hydroxypropyl)-azetidin-2-one (9.51 g) as an off-white solid: IR (neat film from Me₂ CO) 3200 (br), 1735, and 1700 (shifts to 1590 with Et₃ N) cm⁻¹ ; NMR (Me₂ CO--d₆) δ 0.25 (s, 6, 2CH₃), 0.98 (s, 9, C(CH₃)₃) 1.17-2.33 (m, 2, CH--C CH₂ --CH), 2.50 (d, 2, J=6.5, CH₂ CO₂), 2.50-3.40 (m, 2, H3 and H3β), 3.97 (m, 2, H4 and CHOH); MS on bistrimethylsilyl derivative m/e 431 (M+), 416(M+-57) and 332 (374-42).

The crude carboxylic acid is suspended in anhydrous acetonitrile (150 ml) and treated with p-nitrobenzyl bromide (7.56 g, 35 mμol) and triethylamine (4.9 ml, 35 mμol). The resulting solution is kept at room temperature for 2 days and then in a refrigerator for 3 days. The reddish orange solution is evaporated under vacuum and the residue shaken with ethyl acetate (100 ml, 2×50 ml) and filtered to remove triethylammonium bromide. The ethyl acetate filtrate is washed with water (3×100 ml) and brine, dried with magnesium sulfate, filtered, and evaporated under vacuum to an amber oil (13.62 g). Crystallization from diethyl ether affords N-(t-butyldimethylsilyl)-4-[3-(p-nitrobenzyloxycarbonyl)-2-hydroxypropyl]azetidin-2-one (6.84 g) as an off-white powder. Chromatography of the mother liquors on a silica gel column using 1:1 toluene-ethyl acetate as eluting solvent affords addition product (3.14 g) as an oil which solidifies.

EXAMPLE 29 N-(t-Butyldimethylsilyl)-4-[3-(p-nitrobenzyloxycarbonyl)-2-oxopropyl]-azetidin-2-one ##STR68##

Anhydrous chromium trioxide (16.88 g 169 mmol) is added to a solution of anhydrous pyridine (27.3 ml, 338 mmol) in anhydrous methylene chloride (470 ml). The resulting mixture is stirred at room temperature for 30 minutes and then treated with a solution of N-(t-butyldimethylsilyl)-4-[3-(p-nitrobenzyloxycarbonyl)-2-hydroxypropyl]-azetidin-2-o one (8.92 g, 21.1 mmol) in methylene chloride (80 ml). The reaction mixture is stirred an additional 15 minutes at room temperature and then treated with 2-propanol (6.75 ml). The methylene chloride phase is decanted from the dark, tary residue and evaporated under vacuum. The residue from this operation is triturated with diethyl ether (350 ml) and filtered through a pad of magnesium sulfate which is washed with additional ether (150 ml). The ethereal filtrate is washed with water (200 ml), 5% aqueous sodium bicarbonate (200 ml) and brine, dried with magnesium sulfate, filtered, evaporated under vacuum, and stripped with toluene to afford the crude product (5.99 g) as an amber oil. Chromatigraphy on a silica gel column using 3:2 petroleum etherethyl acetate as eluting solvent yields N-(t-butyldimethylsilyl)4-[3-(p-nitrobenzyloxycarbonyl)-2-oxopropyl]-azetidin-2-one (5.17 g, 58%) as a pale yellow, viscous oil which solidifies. Trituration with diethyl ether gives the product as small, white crystals: mp 65°-66.5°, IR (CH₂ Cl₂) 1732, 1522, and 1350 cm⁻¹, NMR (CDCl₃) δ 0.20 (s, 3, CH₃), 0.23 (s, 3, CH₃), 0.93 (s, 9, C(CH₃)₃), 2.58 (dd, 1, J=2.7 and 15.7, H3β), 2.72 (dd, 1, J=9.4 and 18.2, CH₂ COCH₂ CO₂), 3.19 (dd, 1, J=4.0 and 18.2, CH₂ COCH₂ CO₂), 3.35 (dd, 1, J=5.3 and 15.7, H3α), 3.55 (s, 2, COCH₂ CO₂), 3.90 (m, 1, H4), 5.30 (s, 2, CH₂ Ar), 7.55 and 8.25 (two d, 4, J=8.5, ArH); MS m/e 405 (M⁺ -15), 363 (M⁺ -57), 321 (363-42) and 136.

Anal, Calculated for C₂₀ H₂₈ N₂ O₆ Si: C, 57.12; H, 6.71; N,6.66. Found: C, 57.28; H, 6.75; N, 6.60.

EXAMPLE 30 4-[3-(P-NITROBENZYLOXYCARBONYL)-2-OXOPROPYL]AZETIDIN-2-ONE ##STR69##

A solution of N-(t-butyldimethylsilyl)-4-[3-(p-nitrobenzyloxycarbonyl)-2-oxopropyl]-azetidin-2-one (5.17 g, 12.3 mMol) in methanol (55 ml) is treated with 1N hydrochloric acid (6.2 ml) and then kept at room temperature for 200 mins. The solution is treated with 1M dipotassium hydrogenphosphate (6.2 ml) and concentrated under vacuum. The residue is taken up in ethyl acetate (100 ml), washed with brine, dried over magnesium sulfate, filtered, and evaporated under vacuum. Triturating the resulting oil with diethyl ether yields 4-[3-(p-nitrobenzyloxycarbonyl)-2-oxopropyl]-azetidin-2-one (3.42 g, 91%) as an off-white powder: mp 50°-52°; IR (CH₂ Cl₂) 3416, 1767, 1723, 1528, and 1352 cm⁻¹ ; NMR (CDCl₃) δ 2.60 (ddd, 1, J=1, 2.7, and 15.1, H3β), 2.77 (dd, 1, J=8.4 and 18.2, CHCH₂ CO), 3.13 (dd, 1, J=5.1 and 18.2, CHCH₂ CO), 3.20 (ddd, 1, J=2.4, 5.0, and 15.1, H3α), 3.57 (s, 2, COCH₂ CO₂), 3.98 (m, 1, H4); 5.27 (s, 2, CH₂ Ar), 6.28 (or s, 1, NH), 7.53 and 8.23 (two d's, 4, J=8.5, ArH); mass spectrum m/e 306(M+), 264(M+-42), 237, 153, 125, 111, and 136.

EXAMPLE 31 4-[3-(P-NITROBENZYLORYCARBONYL)-3-DIAZO-2-OXOPROPYL]AZETIDIN-2-ONE ##STR70##

p-Carboxybenzyenesulfonylazide (2.67 g, 11.8 mMol) and triethylamine (4.68 ml, 33.6 mMol) are added to an ice-cold, stirring solution of 4-[3-(p-nitrobenzyloxycarbonyl)-2-oxopropyl]-azetidin-2-one (3.42 g, 11.2 mMol) in anhydrous acetonitrile (70 ml). The resulting mixture is stirred in the cold for 10 minutes and at room temperature for 60 minutes. The mixture is diluted with ethyl acetate (200 ml) and filtered. The filtrate is washed with water (2×100 ml), 1M pH3 phosphate buffer (50 ml), 0.1M pH7 phosphate buffer (100 ml), and brine, dried over magnesium sulfate, filtered, and evaporated under vacuum to a yellow foam (3.75 g). The crude product is taken up in methylene chloride (ca. 10 ml), heated briefly with activated charcoal, and filtered through a pad of magnesium sulfate. The filtrate is diluted with diethyl ether (ca. 40 ml) and scratched to yield a precipitate. The precipitate is collected, washed with ether, and dried under vacuum to provide 4-[3-(p-nitrobenzyloxycarbonyl)-3-diazo-2-oxopropyl]azetidin-2-one (3.29 g, 88%) as a pale yellow powder: mp 114.5°-116.5°; IR (CH₂ Cl₂) 3413, 2142, 1767, 1724, 1657, 1530, and 1352 cm⁻¹ ; NMR (CDCl₃) δ 2.68 (ddd, 1, J=1.2, 2.7, and 14.8, H3β), 3.02 (dd, 1, J=8.4 and 18.0, CHCH₂ CO), 3.22 (ddd, 1, J=2.4, 4.8, and 14.8, H3α); 343 (dd, 1, J=4.6 and 18.0, CHCH₂ CO), 4.00 (m, 1, H4), 5.38 (s, 2, CH₂ Ar), 6.30 (brs, 1, NH), 7.57 and 8.27 (two d's, 4, J=8.5, ArH); mass spectrum m/e 332(M+), 304(M+-28), 290(M+-42), 262, and 263.

Anal., calculated for C₁₄ H₁₂ N₄ O₆ : C, 50.61; H, 3.64; N, 16.86. Found: C, 50.34; H, 3.42; N, 16.72.

EXAMPLE 32 P-NITROBENZYL 1-AZABICYCLO[3.2.0]HEPTAN-3,7-DIONE-2-CARBOXYLATE ##STR71##

A suspension of 4-[3-(p-nitrobenzylocycarbonyl)-3-diazo-2-oxopropyl]-azetidin-2-one(2.93 g) and rhodium (II) acetate (15 mg) in anhydrous toluene (300 ml) is degassed by bubbling nitrogen through it for 60 minutes. The mixture is then stirred and heated in an oil bath maintained at 80° C. After a few minutes, the diazo compound dissolves and gas evolution commences. The mixture is heated at 80° C. for 100 minutes, then allowed to stand at room temperature for 30 mins. before filtering through a pad of celite. The filtrate is evaporated under vacuum to an oily residue which is triturated with diethyl ether to afford p-nitrobenzyl 1-azabicyclo[3.2.0]heptan-3,7-dione-2-carboxylate (2.53 g, 94%) as an off-white powder. Recrystallization from ether provides analytically pure product: mp 127°-128°: IR (CH₂ Cl₂) 1776, 1753, 1529, and 1352 cm⁻¹ ; NMR (CDCl₃) δ 2.47 (dd, 1, J =8.2 and 18.8, H4a), 2.98 (dd, 1, J=6.8 and 18.8, H4b), 3.00 (dd, 1, J=2.0 and 12.0, H6β), 3.70 (dd, 1, J=4.8 and 12.0, H6α), 4.20 (m, 1, H5), 4.80 (s, 1, H2), 5.32 (s, 2, CH₂ Ar), 7.57 and 8.25 (two d's, 4, J=8, ArH); mass spectrum m/e 304(M+), 276(M+-28), 262 (M+-42), and 168(M+-136).

Anal., calculated for C₁₄ H₁₂ N₂ 06: C, 55.27; H, 3.98; N, 9.21. Found: C, 55.06; H, 4.03; N, 8.99.

EXAMPLE 33 P-Nitrobenzyl 3-(p-Toluenesulfonyloxy)-1-azabicyclo[3.2.0]hept-2en-7-one-2-carboxylate ##STR72##

p-toluenesulfonic anhydride (520 mg, 1.59 mmol) and N,N-diisopropylethylamine (300 μl, 1.72 mmol) are added to an ice-cold, stirring solution of p-nitrobenzyl 1-azabicyclo[3.2.0]heptan-3,7-dione-2-carboxylate (484 mg, 1.59 mmol) in anhydrous methylene chloride (17 ml). The resulting solution is stirred in the cold for 2 hours, then diluted with more methylene chloride, washed with water, 1μ ph 3.4 phosphate buffer and saturated aqueous sodium bicarbonate, dried with magnesium sulfate, filtered, and evaporated under vacuum. Addition of cold ethyl acetate and a few seeds crystals to the oily residue induces crystallization. The product is collected, washed with cold ethyl acetate, and dried under vacuum to afford p-nitrobenzyl 3-(p-toluenesulfonyloxy)-1-azabicyclo[3.2.0]hept-2-en-7-one-2-carboxylate (446 mg, 61%) as off-white crystals: mp 99°-102° (dec.); IR (neat) 1790, 1725, 1521, 1345, and 1172 cm⁻¹ ; UV (CH₂ Cl₂) 272 nm; NMR (CDCl₃) δ 2.40 (s, 3, ArCH₃), 3.06 (dd, 1, J=3.0 and 17.2, H6β), 3.16 (dd, 1, J=9.0 and 9.0, H4a), 3.31 (dd, 1, J=9.0 and 10.0, H4b), 3.59 (dd, 1, J=5.8 and 17.2, H6α), 4.24 (m, 1, H5), 5.20 and 5.32 (ABq, 2, J=14.0, CH₂ Ar), 7.32 and 7.77 (two d's, 4, J=8.0, p-MeC₆ H₄), 7.51 and 8.19 (two d's, 4, J=8.0, p-NO₂ C₆ H₄).

EXAMPLE 34 Benzyl 3-methoxy-1-azabicyclo[3.2.0]hept-2-en-7-one-2-carboxylate ##STR73##

A solution of benzyl 1-azabicyclo[3.2.0]heptan-3,7-dione-2-carboxylate (25.9 mg, 0.1 mMol) in anhydrous hexamethylphosphoramide (1.0 ml) is cooled in an ice-bath and stirred under a nitrogen atmosphere. Dimethyl sulfate (11.4 μl, 0.12 mMol) and 57% sodium hydride in mineral oil (5.0 mg, 0.12 mMol) are added to the solution. The cooling bath is removed and the resulting mixture is stirred at room temperature for 60 minutes. The mixture is diluted with ethyl acetate (10 ml) and water (20 ml), shaken, and the layers separated. The organic layer is washed with water (3×5 ml) and brine, dried with magnesium sulfate, diluted with toluene (10 ml), and evaporated under vacuum to an oil. This material is chromatographed on a 0.25 mm×10×20 cm silica gel GF plate using 3:1 toluene-ethyl acetate as developing solvent. The major UV visible band at R_(f) 0.1 was removed and eluted with ethyl acetate to provide benzyl 3 -methoxy-1-azabicyclo[3.2.0]hept-2-en-7-one-2-carboxylate (5.6 mg) as a clear oil: IR (CH₂ Cl₂) 1775 and 1700 cm⁻¹ ; UV (EtOAc) 288 nm; NMR (CDCl₃) δ 2.87 (dd, 1, J=2.8 and 16, H6β), 3.03 (m, 2, H4a and H4b), 3.50 (dd, 1, J=5.5 and 16, H6α), 3.80 (m, 1, H5), 3.92 (s, 3, CH₃), 5.28 (s, 2, CH₂ φ), and 7.40 (m, 5, C₆ H₅); mass spectrum m/e 273 (M+) and 231 (M+-42).

This product is also obtained by treating the bicyclo keto ester with dimethyl sulfate and excess potassium carbonate in hexamethylphosphoramide or dimethylformamide.

EXAMPLE 35 Benzyl 3-phenylthio-1-azabicyclo[3.2.0]hept-2-en-7-one-2-carboxylate ##STR74##

An ice-cold solution of benzyl 1-azabicyclo[3.2.0]heptan-3,7-dione-2-carboxylate (13 mg, 0.05 mmol) in anhydrous acetonitrile is treated with N,N-diisopropylethylamine (10.4 μl, 0.06 mmol) and diphenyl chlorophosphate (10.9 μl, 0.053 mmol) and the resulting solution is stirred in the cold and under a nitrogen atmosphere for 90 mins. More N,N-diisopropylethylamine (8.7 μl, 0.05 mmol) and thiophenol (5.1 μl, 0.05 mmol) are added and the reaction mixture is stirred in the cold for 2 hours. The resulting mixture is combined with a second similar run, diluted with ethyl acetate to 10 ml volume, washed with water, 1M pH3 phosphate buffer, 5% aqueous sodium bicarbonate, and brine, dried over magnesium sulfate, and evaporated under vacuum to an oil (34 mg). This material is purified on a 0.25 mm×20×20 silica gel GF plate using 3:1 toluene-ethyl acetate as developing solvent. The UV visible band at R_(f) 0.55 is removed and eluted with ethyl acetate. Evaporation of the solvent leaves a residue which is lyophilized from benzene to provide benzyl 3-phenylthio-1-azabicyclo[3.2.0]hept-2-en-7-one-2-carboxylate (17 mg) as an amorphous, white powder. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A process for preparing a compound having the structure: ##STR75## and the pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof wherein R⁴ is hydrogen, acyl or lower alkyl having 1-6 carbon atoms; R is H; pharmaceutically acceptable salt cation; or a pharmaceutically acceptable ester moiety; and R⁸ is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, substituted and unsubstituted: alkyl, alkenyl, and alkynyl, having from 1-10 carbon atoms; cycloalkyl, cycloalkylalkyl, and alkylcycloalkyl, having 3-6 carbon atoms in the cycloalkyl ring and 1-6 carbon atoms in the alkyl moieties; phenyl, aralkyl, aralkenyl, and aralkynyl wherein the aryl moiety is phenyl and the linear chain has 1-6 carbon atoms; heteroaryl, heteroaralkyl, heterocyclyl and heterocyclylalkyl wherein the substituent or substituents relative to the above-named R⁸ radicals are selected from the group consisting of: amino, mono-, di- and trialkylamino, hydroxyl, alkoxyl, mercapto, alkylthio, phenylthio, sulfamoyl, amidino, guanidino, nitro, chloro, bromo, fluoro, cyano and carboxy; and wherein the hetero atom or atoms in the above-named heterocyclic moieties are selected from the group consisting of 1-4 oxygen, nitrogen or sulphur atoms; and wherein the alkyl moieties of the above-recited substituents have 1-6 carbon atoms; comprising reacting: ##STR76## with a reagent, HSR⁸, calculated to provide the substituent --SR⁸, wherein X is a leaving group.
 2. The process of claim 1 wherein: R₄ is hydrogen and R⁸ is selected from the group consisting of: ##STR77##
 3. The process of claim 2 wherein X is chloro, bromo, toluene sulfonyloxy, p-nitrophenylsulfonyloxy, methyl sulfonyloxy, diphenylphosphoryl. 